Collins' career has spanned 50 years, beginning in 1961 at age 22 with the release of her first album, "Maid of Constant Sorrow." She interpreted the songs of fellow artists -- particularly the social poets of the time such as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Tom Paxton, and was instrumental in bringing other singer-songwriters to a wider audience including poet-musician Leonard Cohen -- and musicians Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman.

She is noted for her rendition of Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" on her 1967 album "Wildflowers," which has since been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her version of "Send in the Clowns" by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical "A Little Night Music" won song of the year at the 1975 Grammy Awards.

Tickets for "An Evening with Judy Collins" range from $15 to $30 and limited seating remains. Food and beverages are available for $5 in the Mainstage Lounge at 6:45 p.m. Call the hall at 304-645-7917 for more information or visit www.carnegiehallwv.org to purchase tickets.

On Dec. 21-23, the resort offerings include crafts, paper marbling, a "Feast of the Seven Fishes" culinary demonstration, fireside storytelling, a "Holiday Martini Mixology" demonstration, and live music from a bell choir and Miss Megan & Murphy's Law.

Greenbrier D.C. office

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- The Greenbrier resort has opened a personal concierge and sales office in Washington, D.C.

The Upper Lobby is a 700-square-foot-plus drawing room designed by The Greenbrier curator Carleton Varney to mirror the resort's signature décor.

The Upper Lobby is staffed with a personal concierge team who will be able to assist in the booking of individual rooms and groups at The Greenbrier, including special rates available only through the D.C. office. The Upper Lobby concierges will also help Greenbrier-bound travelers arrange bookings with The Greenbrier Golf Club, Spa, Casino Club and more.

National Zoo carousel

WASHINGTON -- The Smithsonian's National Zoo is opening a new solar-powered carousel with hand-carved, hand-painted figures representing many endangered animals.

The Speedwell Foundation, a private family foundation based in Summit, N.J., donated $1.5 million of the $2.3 million cost to build the carousel. A zoo spokeswoman says donations covered the remainder.

The ride was named the Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel. It opened Monday and costs $3 per person to ride. Proceeds from ticket sales will support animal care and conservation research at the zoo.

The carousel is powered by 162 solar panels donated and installed by Pepco Energy Services. The zoo says any excess energy is redirected to the zoo's electrical grid.

There are 58 animals represented on the carousel. They include elephants, pandas, frogs, hummingbirds, blue crabs, lions and other creatures.